We all know that carrying excess weight has health consequences, including increased risk of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and even depression, also, lower self-esteem, aches and pains, etc.

For patients who need an extra edge in their weight loss efforts, adding on a specialized weight loss supplement might be the answer.

Historically, supplements that claim to aid weight loss have overwhelmingly been ineffective or unsafe—and sometimes both.

Exploring How Berberine Enhances Weight Loss

Berberine is an isolate derived from many common plants, including the barberry shrub (Berberis vulgaris) after which the chemical takes its name.

Historically, berberine has been used as a pigment and as a curative in Chinese traditional medicine.

More recently, however, scientific interest into berberine has revealed a handful of potential clinical applications, including weight loss.

Berberine’s primary appeal as a weight loss supplement stems from its ability to make production of cellular energy less efficient.

When cells can produce their cellular energy in a highly efficient way, a higher percentage of nutrients are turned into energy.

How Effective is Berberine for Weight Loss?

In 2012, for example, one study showed that obese human patients lost an average of 5 lbs over the 12-week course of treatment.

In another study, those who took berberine lost an average of 7 lbs more than the patients who consumed a placebo.

How To Use It

While berberine is known to be well-tolerated, patients should still exercise caution when using it for weight loss, particularly if they have liver issues.

Currently, data suggests that berberine is completely safe to use for up to 12 weeks.

No more than 1500 per day or 500 mg 3TID